Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

Jade is a succulent houseplant, native to South Africa and Mozambique with the philanthropic title the money tree (but there are other known money trees out there).

Long been the houseplant-of-choice for many post-college adult-wannabes, Jade provides a nice welcoming hug to the plant world. They’re tough, easy to grow and do well in containers. Perfect for almost anyone (but back in the day, I still managed to kill my Jade plant). Often seen as forgiving, if you think you have no place owning foliage in your home, think again. You can do it!

When I think of people starting their own indoor gardens, my mind immediately imagines Jade. Probably one of the most common house plants around, Jade is like your favorite beer. Always around, always available, and everyone seems to like it.

The leaves of Jade are very unique, with fleshy oval features that radiate dark green leaves that are thick to the touch. They resemble miniature trees and often have that bonsai-like quality. Jade has a truly funky quality to it, almost seeming like it belongs on another planet—-this is why I love Jade. It’s just cool.

The best part about Jade is its ability to propagate itself into more Jade plants. It’s like an alien invasive species— constantly creating itself over and over again. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Rather than type the explanation of this alien method, watch the video below to make many new Jade plants for you and your friends.

Lighting: These plants like the sun so provide them with some bright filtered light of a south facing window (if possible). Get your compass and figure out the best placement for these wonderful mini trees. Try and get them at least 4 hours of sunlight per day, so they can thrive and you can humble-brag to your friends that you are becoming horticulturally aware.

Temperature: Jade needs to be in daytime temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees and nighttime between 50 and 55 degrees. During winter, protect your little gem from drafts and don’t let them touch the window panes!

Water: Water enough so that the soil is kept moist but not wet during the growing season (spring and summer months).

During winter months, let the soil dry before waterings.

Honestly, you can overwater this plant easily, so stop being a helicopter parent and step away. Also, avoid splashing water on the leaves when you are watering, as they are able to store water in leaves, which may lead you to accidentally overwater your plant. Place Jade in a well-drained soil pot to prevent root rot, and you’ll need to fertilize it about once every three to four months.

Potting: Jade plants should be repotted every two to three years using a high quality potting soil mixed with 50/50 coarse builders sand and a scoop of bone meal. Yum.

Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize your Jade plant from November through the end of March, but during the growing season fertilize your Jade with African Violet Fertilizer every month.

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After finishing her masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Michelle wanted to share her love of plants and all things medicinal. With her knowledge of Chinese herbs and household plants, she decided to create a site sharing her love of indoor plants.